Saudi OFWs Raise Problems Before 'Tatay' Duterte

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte opened the floor for overseas
Filipino workers (OFWs) in Riyadh for questions during his meeting with the
Filipino community.

"What else is there to say to you? If you want some
questions answered, I am ready. You can take the floor. Let's have a short time
for an open forum." Duterte in his speech.

In front of Duterte, OFWs raised problems ranging from the
lack of a department for migrant workers and the need for wage increases.

Another woman took the mic just to say, "Hello, Tatay
(Dad). I have no questions at all. I just want to say thank you that you have
given us hope. Thank you so much."

In a firm voice, a woman faced Duterte first: "My first
question is, where is the Department of OFWs? That is the first question – the
Department of OFWs. We want it."

Duterte said the Department of OFWs "is coming."

In response to a similar question later during the forum,
Duterte said, "The creation of a department does not belong to me. It
belongs to Congress."

On another issue, a man pushed for a national ID system just
like in Saudi Arabia.

Duterte replied, "It's also pending in Congress. I'm
only 9 months into the presidency. We're working on it, actually, because it's
good."

Another woman said OFWs in Saudi Arabia have long been
waiting to have an ambassador. "I would like to take this opportunity to
endorse Madame Imelda Panolong because she has the huge knowledge for being an
ambassador."

Panolong is the charge d'affaires or officer in charge of
the Philippine embassy in Riyadh.

In a mix of English and Filipino, the man said, "My
only question, Mr President, is, don't we have rights, being OFWs, to represent
public office in the government like to serve the Filipinos overseas and to
gain the ambassadorship for the first time in Saudi Arabia?"

The most emotional plea came from a woman whose voice
cracked as she addressed the President.

The woman appealed for a hospital for stranded OFWs, and
also for lawyers who can help migrant workers like them.